Responding to the cancellation of operations at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Paul Summers, UNISON Cymru Wales head of health said,
“Wholesale cancellation of routine operations shows why it is essential we properly invest in hospitals and in safe staff numbers.
“Healthcare employees are working as hard as they possibly can, often going way beyond, to keep services running in trying circumstances. They are very worried about the pressures the NHS is under – this is no longer just a winter phenomenon.
“We have an emergency care and social care system that cannot adequately support a population which is living longer and has complex health needs.
“Since 2010, severe spending cuts driven by Westminster have deprived Welsh councils of the funds they need to invest in social care. This money would help care for older people in their own homes as much as possible and allow for their prompt release from hospital after treatment.
“Boris Johnson promised more money for the NHS in the election and we need to see that in the health boards in Wales immediately so that routine operations don’t need to be cancelled and people get the treatment they require. The NHS in Wales cannot wait until March to see what the Budget brings as it may be too late by then for many patients.”
Contact
Alastair Gittins, UNISON press officer on 07816 53 83 97